The use of preoperative computed tomography scanning in total hip arthroplasty

Computed tomography (CT) scanning is a useful tool in many areas of orthopedics. This prospective study reviews the authors' experience with CT scans in 73 patients studied prior to total hip arthroplasty. The CT scan is valuable in the primary total hip arthroplasty if the radiograph suggests medial, posterior, or superior acetabular wall defects. In some instances, bone grafting or other special procedures are required for the reconstruction of these defects. In the present study, preoperative CT identified an abnormality in 18 cases with deficient acetabular walls, while plain radiographs identified only six of these difficulties. Although important information for planning revision total hip arthroplasties was noted in this series, CT scans are indicated primarily in instances of suspected acetabular wall defects.